Vino Past Review

By (Villanova University) - abroad from 02/01/2012 to 05/17/2012 with

IES Abroad: Study Rome - Language & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think I am a more patient with people who do not speak a language. I am also eager to learn new languages. I definitely want to learn Spanish and Arabic now.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

N/A I had my own kitchen,

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook for yourself rather than eating out all the time.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Try to learn some key phrases before you leave and try watching movies/ listening to music in that language so that you get used to how things are supposed to be pronounced.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location
  • Culture
  • Vino
* What could be improved?
  • Better Housing
  • More Weekend Trips
  • Less Nannying
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring lots of stick deodorant because they don't have it in Europe. Well they do, but it makes you smell like summer breeze mint cucumber. If you are into that then by all means buy the terrible deodorant there.